Do you have kids that just can't get enough of horses? Or do they love horses but don't know much about them? Consider a vacation spot high in the Rocky Mountains where your kids can learn how to care for horses, as well as hit the trail for some great riding!

Harmel's Ranch Resort, a western guest ranch, is located just north of Gunnison, Colorado. At 8,412 feet, tucked into a lovely mountain valley, the summer days are beautiful, with temperatures usually in the high 70s or low 80s - perfect weather for trail riding.

The Junior Wrangler Program at Harmel’s is a comprehensive activity offered to kids ages 8 and up.This program allows kids to get totally involved with horses. They meet up at the stables and are assigned a wrangler for their session. They’ll join the team to round up the horses, and then learn how to feed, groom, saddle and bridle their mounts. Kids will learn stables dos and don’ts and proper procedures around horses from the highly skilled wranglers and riders at Harmel’s. Then the guests begin to arrive and your kids will help them saddle up. Next it’s on to a two hour trail ride through the high country in the Gunnison National Forest. Upon return to the stables, the kids will help unsaddle, water, and brush down the animals, as well as care for the tack.

If the kids are signed up for the all-day Junior Wranglers program, they will join the Harmel’s wranglers for a hearty buffet lunch in the dining room. There are full day and half day options. The half day options (morning or afternoon) allow kids to join their family for other plans, play in the outdoor heated pool, hop into the hot tub to relax, watch a movie at the “Rusty Spur” theater, take a fishing lesson, go hiking or climbing, whitewater rafting or more.

Junior Wranglers will learn plenty about horses and how to take care of them, and it is an experience they'll remember for the rest of their lives.